How Aging Affects Sleep

Learn why you can’t sleep well and how to start sleeping better tonight

FORT MYERS, Fla. – June 3, 2015 – Getting a good night of sleep is critical for all age groups to maintain healthy energy levels. Unfortunately, as we age, adults tend to get less sleep and poor overall quality of sleep.

Sleep occurs in stages: dreamless periods of light sleep and some periods of active dreaming (REM sleep). Aging causes sleep patterns to change. Older adults spend less time in REM sleep, and wake up an average of three or four times a night (sleep fragmentation). In addition, it takes older adults longer to fall asleep (sleep latency). Consequently, many older adults report being less satisfied with their sleep and more tired throughout the day.

Besides sleep quality, there are other factors that could affect sleep as we age. Illnesses, such as heart failure, arthritis and Alzheimer’s can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Certain medications can make a patient feel more awake at night, and can keep you from falling or staying asleep. Conditions, such as arthritis, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can also make sleeping difficult.

As we age, we also face varying amounts of lifestyle changes. Retirement, moving, physical limitations due to illness, and the death of loved ones can cause stress, negatively affecting our sleep cycle.

“Even though aging is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to increase your quality and duration of sleep,” said Board Certified Physician at Allergy Sleep and Lung Care, Imtiaz Ahmad, M.D.

These include sticking to a regular bedtime, turning off computers and TVs at least an hour before sleep, and spending more time relaxing before sleep. Spending less time in bed during the day is also important; this will help to train the brain that the bed is for sleep. It’s also advised to limit daytime napping and alcohol before bedtime.